Sectoral Environmental Law

Teacher(s)

Dupont Valérie; Jans Damien;

Language

French

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	The lectures are aiming at giving students the opportunity: - to become familiar with the environmental law principles as well as with the substantive environmental law, - to resolve practical cases, in the light of the professional experience of the lecturers - to foster a critical analysis of environmental problems. First, the lectures aim at enhancing students' understanding of the various factors (social, economic, scientific) impinging upon the development of environmental law. Concepts and instruments are explained. Besides, the focus is placed upon the relationship between environmental law and other legal disciplines. Second, the lectures aim at explaining substantive environmental law according to a two-pronged approach: on one hand, the law of listed installations and hazardous substances, on the other hand, the law of nature protection. In that respect, issues such as soil remediation, GMOs, environmental liability, climate change will be dealt with. The course is based on participatory teaching methods (learning through projects or problems, review of the relevant case-law and doctrine, debates with guest speakers, field studies ...) which allow the students to develop independently a critical, forward-looking and inventive look on public international law. Students are encouraged to participate and to get involved in learning, which has both an individual and a collective dimension.

Content

The following subjects are generally covered:
- The various policies governing establishments classified for environmental protection, soil management, environmental liability, GMOs (Pr D. Jans).
- Climate change and biodiversity conservation in international, European and Belgian law (Dr V. Dupont). This part of the course is taught in English.

Teaching methods

The course is essentially lecture-based, but incorporates various means of interaction with students (such as oral interaction, Wooclap questions, case studies, case law analysis, videos). Readings of articles and court decisions may be recommended between class sessions.

Evaluation methods

The exam is written (2H), in French for the part taught by Pr Damien Jans and in English for the part taught by Dr Valérie Dupont.
In accordance with article 72 of the General Regulations for Studies and Examinations, the course directors may propose to the jury that it refuse to register a student who has not attended at least 80% of the courses in the January/June or September session.

Other information

The students are required to take a course on sustainable development and environmental law (LDROP2061 or equivalent) before taking the course on sectoral environmental law. 

Online resources

Pr D. Jans
A syllabus is available on Moodle.
Dr V. Dupont
The Moodle platform is used to share with students legal texts, court decisions, practical exercises, recommended readings, and course materials (Powerpoint, syllabus, other relevant excerpts from environmental law articles and textbooks).

Faculty or entity

BUDR